After a few weeks of limited interest in a Ja Morant trade, a pair of teams are rumored to be […]
After a few weeks of limited interest in a Ja Morant trade, a pair of teams are rumored to be the new top contenders in an intensifying market for the Memphis Grizzlies star.
Back in 2023, the two-time All-Star was emerging as a player who could become one of the long-term faces of the league. Morant can be an electrifying scorer like Derrick Rose was at his peak, but with a swagger the Chicago Bulls legend didn’t have.
However, over the last three seasons, Morant’s reputation and value around the NBA have gone into a deep decline due to off-the-court drama, a fast-growing injury history, and issues with his current head coach. That is why the organization has not been getting worthwhile trade offers despite his immense talent.
But that now seems to be changing. With the NBA trade deadline close at hand, teams around the league are getting more aggressive to make an impact move before they have to wait until the summer. And a pair of reports points to the likely favorites in the Ja Morant trade sweepstakes.
Heat and Kings aggressively pursuing Ja Morant trade?
At the start of the week, the Miami Heat were viewed as serious contenders in the chase for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. However, with the Milwaukee Bucks looking to get the best return possible in a deal for the greatest player in franchise history, new reports have suggested Miami doesn’t have enough to get a trade done before Thursday.
Clutch Points NBA insider Brett Siegel claimed on Wednesday that the Heat “are no longer at the forefront of Giannis trade talks.” However, he added that they have pivoted away from the Bucks legend and are now working hard to get a trade for Morant done.
Late last year, reports claimed the Heat had internal discussions about a trade with the belief their infrastructure could return him to superstardom. However, they are not the only team in the hunt.
Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor reports that “The Sacramento Kings remain the team most strongly connected to Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.” The team sees Ja Morant as a “high-upside player who could return to star status with a change of scenery.”
The Kings reportedly would like to move DeMar DeRozan in a potential trade. However, there is doubt the Grizzlies would want him back in a deal.
Adding to the intrigue of a trade is that fellow Yahoo NBA insider Kelly Iko reports that “Memphis is not working with Morant in the same manner as other stars like James Harden and Giannis have done with their respective teams in trade talks.”
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